65. VEGAN ATHLETES

Dear Grandma Donna: Could you tell us about some famous athletes who have become vegan? It could be a big incentive to all of us to know about people who have their name in the news who have determined to eat plant food. Love, Savana 

Dear Savana: It is surprising how many professional athletes are 100 percent vegan. Most of them have discovered that plant food improves health and performance without the side effects of animal products. 

Wilson Chandler, who has played for the NFL for ten years, switched to a vegan diet after hip injuries cost him game time in multiple seasons. He told Sports Illustrated, “My recovery time is faster, I’m in a better mood, I feel more explosive on the court and I’m leaner.”

Another football player who suffered physical disability is David Carter, who had tendonitis and fatigue. He changed to a 100 percent plant-based diet and now feels stronger than ever. For those who wonder what these strong men eat, David presents a typical day’s menu. (He consumes many calories so the helpings must be large.)

Breakfast: oatmeal with hemp protein, bananas and berries
Lunch: brown rice and black beans topped with avocado and cashew cheese
Dinner: couscous with onion and garlic, and spinach salad with bell peppers

An NFL player who has become an advocate for the plant-based diet is John Salley. He is now a raw vegan and is a frequent speaker at “VegFests” across the U.S. He has asked Congress to support legislation for vegetarian options in our schools.

Vegan baseball player Pat Neshek credits his wife with turning him from eating at McDonald’s to eating plant food. After reading The China Study, which exposed the health consequences of eating animal products, he cut out all animal products. He says, “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to success in games. You have to get your sleep and take care of yourself. It’s not a cakewalk.”

There are vegan athletes in every sport. Scott Jurek is a vegan runner. A well-known MMA fighter is vegan Mac Danzig.  From the boxing world, there is Mike Tyson, who possibly has one of the most famous names in the plant-food world. 

These are only a few of the names of vegan athletes, but we can be proud of these people who not only entertain, but through their example pave the way for the original diet of mankind to be the food of all the world. Plant food would make our world a much better place with the saving of land, the saving of water, the saving of animals and the saving of human lives. Love, Grandma Donna

PUMPKIN SOUP
6 c raw diced pumpkin or butternut squash
6 c diced potatoes
4 c diced carrots
2 c chopped celery
2 c chopped onion
Water to barely cover vegetables
Bring to a boil and cook until nearly tender
Add:
2 c cooked vegetable mixture
1 c canned coconut milk
1/4 t garlic
1 pinch paprika
3 T arrowroot
1 t lemon juice
1 t salt
2 t onion powder
1/2 t coriander
1/4 t cardamom
Blend until smooth, then add to the vegetable mixture,
stirring constantly. Stir until arrowroot is cooked
(5 to 10 minutes). Turn to low and let simmer a few
minutes. Salt to taste. Allow to set 30 minutes to allow
flavors to blend.